Canadian Tidbits # 2 Trivia Quiz

Answer: Bricklin

Malcolm Bricklin, an American, decided that this new car would be the car of the future (It sort of looked like a DeLoren with its gull type wing doors, remember the movie "Back to the Future"?). He managed to get New Brunswick government support, but the cars were pricy for their day, about $10,000 in 1975. With less than 3000 built in 1976, the company went bankrupt, owing the government $23 million. I remember seeing a couple of them on the highway; they were designed in 'safety' colours.

The ones I saw were red, yellow, and a horrible almost neon green. Several Bricklin clubs flourish in the USA today, with about 1,500 known vehicles still on the road. I found one for sale online for $20,000, I don't know if that is an average, high or low price. And Mr. Bricklin? He is still trying to get cars built, and this time a hybrid from China that will go into production in 2009...

Answer: First woman mayor

Barbara Hanley was Canada's first woman mayor. On January 6, 1936, she made history when she won by 13 votes in the Webbwood town election. She served as mayor of Webbwood for eight years.

Answer: Yes

Hitchhiking is not allowed on major (controlled-access) highways, especially any 400 series of highways. The 400 series is a 4 lane highway. Soliciting a ride: Section 177 (1) of the Highway Traffic Act. This act will get you a lecture if you are lucky, a fine if not ($55 dollars as of 2007) and a stern warning to move back down the access ramp where you won't ever get a ride, so when the officer left, I would sneak back up.

Answer: Sudbury, Ontario

The Big Nickel is Sudbury's most famous landmark. Standing at 30 feet high, this replica of the 1951 Canadian five cent piece is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest coin in the world. It's made of steel frames, plywood, with an outer layer of stainless steel. For years I actually thought it was really made of nickel!

Answer: Quebec

Quebec is Canada's largest province by area; only the territory of Nunavut is larger. Quebec City is the capital. Montreal is the largest city. The phrase 'je me souviens' means "I will always remember'. The Fleur-de-Lys is a design of a lily flower with three petals, and is on the Quebec provincial flag in each corner.

Answer: In Flanders Fields

Born in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, John McCrae was appointed surgeon to the Canadian Forces Artillery in 1914 with the rank of Major and wrote his now famous poem in April 1915, while serving in the trenches near Ypres, Belgium, in the area traditionally called Flanders. In January 1918, he died of pneumonia and meningitis. He was buried with full military honors.

While a lad at school we had to memorize this poem, and God help the person who faltered or forgot it. I will give you the first verse:

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below

'We Shall Remember Them' is by Sheila Parry (Falklands War), 'Desert Flowers' is by Keith Douglas (World War Two), and 'The Bivouac In The Snow' is by Margaret Junkin Preston (American Civil War).

Answer: Saint John, New Brunswick

Moosehead Breweries is located in Saint John, New Brunswick, and is Canada's oldest independent brewery. I went for several brewery tours there. You get the tour and then a break at a very nice bar-like room and sample the beers they brew. (It used to be as much as you like, in one hour, for free)

Answer: A one dollar coin

The coin was released on June 30, 1987, replacing the one dollar bill. It's a nice looking bronze plated coin. It has the Common Loon on the face and Queen Elizabeth II on the reverse. We don't have a five dollar coin yet though there has been some talk about it. I miss the paper money as a pocket full of 'loons' can be heavy! Spare change anyone?

Answer: Dominion Day

The July 1st holiday was established in 1879, under the name Dominion Day. In 1982, 'Dominion Day' became 'Canada Day'. Wave that maple leaf flag proudly Canada!

Answer: Quebec

Canada produces around 80 percent of the world's maple syrup. (Hey! This could have been a whole new quiz question. Oh well.) Quebec produces the most syrup annually, with Ontario and New Brunswick a distant second and third.

I hope you enjoyed this quiz 'Canadian Tidbits # 2' and please don't forget to rate it (and others) when you are done!